2019 NLADA Annual Conference-Innovative Justice

How do we support the percentage of our vulnerable general population (1 in 4) who experience trauma-related or mental health challenges in their efforts to get their voices heard or their rights represented? People with lived experience are too often overlooked when it comes to advocacy issues. How do we, as partnering advocates, help individuals in their self-advocacy plights? As people who have been on both sides of the table, we know the necessity of having the option of advocating for oneself. It is also important, at times, for the individuals to work with others and receive assistance, but the person’s goals should stay front and center. This workshop will help us partner with a person, relying on inner strength, and work on our self-advocacy skills. It will highlight the importance of letting the person take the lead while an advocate offers their expertise and support. Learn how you can, as a client, advocate for and be an ally to an individual in their own self-advocacy.